Dec. 4, 2009
COACH John Dunning
Opening statement...
I'd like to congratulate Long Island for the season that they had. It was fun talking to [Head Coach Kyle Robinson]. Getting to know him a little bit. Different teams from around the country. I'd like to congratulate the seniors for the season they've had so far. We're just looking forward to tomorrow. Happy to be here.
On Gabi Ailes's record setting Friday night...
She's had an amazing career so far. Definitely an amazing junior year. In my opinion, it's going to be hard for anyone in the country to be better than she is. Hard for anybody in her position in the country to be better than she is. There are a lot of great liberos out there, but she's stepped up in that category now.
On St. Mary's rise in the WCC with Head Coach Rob Browning...
I think [Head Coach Rob Browning] got to St. Mary's a very experienced coach. From the international level to everything. Very well thought out package that they use in their program in terms of all their systems. I really think he's a good coach. He's a good guy, and I think it revolves around him and the staff he's put together who are staying with him. They've been together for a while now. That's a good conference. They had just five teams in last year, I think, and for St. Mary's to step up this quickly with him since he's gotten there is a real tribute to him. His team plays very hard, very well together. They have "their way, their win," and you've got to combat it when you play them or you're in trouble.
Janet Okogbaa
On team goals in first round games...
We want to respect our opponents, work on execution, and bring things that we have been working on in practice into game time situations.
On playing St. Mary's for the second time this season...
[We have] more motivation to beat them this time around. Respectfully.
Cassidy Lichtman
On getting experience in the tournament...
I think it's really important to us. I think we're one of the most experienced teams. Only our freshmen haven't been to a Final Four. Just to get playing time, especially younger ones, just to get the experience of playing in the tournament I think is huge for us. We talked earlier today about how the tournament is different from other matches we play. Just kind of teach them that the rest of the way is more special. I think it's good experience for them.
On the match earlier in the season against St. Mary's...
I remember a really obnoxious 11-point run in game three. I remember that pretty clearly. I know they're a really good team. We've played against them I don't even know how many times since I've been here. So I think we know them pretty well, and I think we'll be ready tomorrow.
Long Island Head Coach Kyle Robinson
Opening Statement
"I want to thank Stanford for hosting us and doing a marvelous job. We wish them the best of luck in the rest of the tournament. We just want to thank everyone for all their support."
On the strength of Long Island's non-conference schedule
"I think its hard to say if its is the hardest schedule we have faced. For the program, maybe not. I'm just in the second year as a head coach. But that is what you need to do to hopefully be prepared to come to the tournament and advance. That is hard to do with a round-robin play in our conference tournament, but it will give us a look at the kind of teams we will face on some level if and when we get into tournament."
On making the tournament
"It is a small goal for us, because this team has been to the tournament for the past six years. Getting to the tournament isn't enough for us. We want to go deep into the tournament and be that little school that could. It is a goal for us to get into the tournament but we are looking at bigger and better things like advancing."
On recruiting at Long Island University
"I think we are all recruiting to eventually be like a Penn State. For this year, our recruiting was right where we need to be to go into the future. I don't think it's a tough sell, but it in the same boat as a Stanford. It is a very specialized place. New York City isn't for everyone. In my opinion and in most of our opinions it is the best place in the world. But not everyone can make it there and it's not for everyone. We are a great mid-major division I program in the best city in the world, I don't see it as a tough sell but unfortunately I'm not an 18 year old high school volleyball player. Once you come here you fall in love. It is a lot easier to sell when you have the support of the university, not just the athletic department but the school as a whole and we have that."
On how the team can continue to improve
"For us to get bigger recruits we will need to make a better showing then we did today. If we had given Stanford a run for their money and put on a better show, kids may take notice, at least kids that are hear, and then it will spread like fire and then one day hopefully you will look and see Long Island in the final four."